The back door into Europe

Refugees are always looking for a backdoor to freedom; be it political, economic, religious or simply greater social liberties where jobs are more available. In the past week, African refugees have attempted to flee via — Ceuta and Melilla — two tiny Spanish enclaves, the last bastions of European imperialism in North Africa.

Who will be the first to blink

Iran threatened economic retaliation against countries voting against its nuclear program. India was singled out over its backing of an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution that would send Tehran’s case to the U.N. Security Council.

Saudis warn of danger of Iraqi breakup

The deterioration in Iraq is raising concern and frustration in Saudi Arabia.

The implications of a nuclear Iran for the Middle East

THE 60th anniversary of the United Nations celebrated last week at the World Headquarters of the international organisation, in which 151 of heads of state and government participated was a bittersweet victory; Much like the UN itself, it was neither a success nor a failure

Missed opportunities

The level of hatred permeating the Middle East conflict is so deep that it often blinds those involved in it. Israeli settlers and Palestinian refugees have more in common than either side will ever admit. Yet, neither seem to recognize that what the other side is living through has also happened to them.

King Abdullah Reaffirms Islam

Jordan’s King Abdullah is on a campaign, a “jihad of sorts,” to reaffirm the traditional principles of Islam. Jihad, one must remember, means “struggle” as well as holy war.

Iran preparing for war with U.S?

Is Iran preparing for war with the United States? Unthinkable, yes, but the U.S. invasion of Iraq has spooked Tehran’s mullahs to prepare for the unthinkable.

Has the civil war in Iraq begun?

Abu Musab al-Zarqawi seems set on igniting a civil war in Iraq.

U.N. probes Syria

No easy assignment for Detlev Mehlis, the United Nations’ German super-cop.

UN’s probe and Syria’s survival game

Detlev Mehlis’ assignment was by no means an enviable one. It must have been the equivalent of stepping into a wasp’s nest, stirring it up while at the same time asking for their diligent cooperation.